Five New Albums Worth Your Dime

Five New Albums Worth Your Dime

1. Slim Thug, Already Platinum(This Houston MC teams up with The Neptunes for a pretty accessible dose of purple haze. A few lackluster tracks aside, this should firmly cement Slim Thug’s national presence.)

2. Royskopp, The Understanding(Norwegian electronica duo offers up more infectious pop hooks and less ambient experimentation for the new album. If you can put the Air on hold, and dance with The Chemical Brothers, this is an album for you.)

3. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah(A debut LP that is the sound of nu-wave embracing Talking Heads more than Gang of Four. Stuttering melodies, off-kilter guitars, and a playful nod to Neutral Milk Hotel is what makes this band an act to keep an eye on. A surprising and engrossing indie rock march.)

4. Heavenly States, Black Comet(The album’s title is a good indication that is band is hanging up the Dave Matthews flourish for a darker and denser mood. While the charm of their last record is missing, this new take is somewhat bolder and in-your-face. And, few bands besides Dirty Three can make a violin sound so blessedly punk-rock.)

5. Jamie Liddell, Multiply(This Brit takes a Motown croon and covers it with blankets of beats and synths. This is a continuation of what Pharrell Williams tried a couple of years ago: programming the ideas of 21st century pop/soul and dance grooves.)

BONUS TRACKS:– “Get It Poppin'” by Fat Joe featuring Nelly(This is easily one of the best hip-hop pop songs of the season. Two great rappers come together over a very nice hook.)

– “Sittin’ Sidewayz” by Paul Wall(The Swishahouse DJ’s first major label single is a left-hook punch of Dirty South hip-hop. I can’t wait for the album to be released.)